Most DWI Arrest Statistics By Guest Post Author: Christopher J McCann
DWI is a phrase that is used to refer to driving while intoxicated with alcohol, marijuana or other prohibited substances like cocaine. DWI is a widespread issue not only in the United States, but other countries. In a recent study by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), it was determined that driving a motor vehicle while inebriated accounts for roughly 41% of fatalities on the road.
Alcohol and other drugs like cannabis is quickly absorbed by the blood and conveyed to the brain thereby interfering with normal motor skills. As a result of deaths, injuries and damage to properties caused by drunken driving, DWI laws have become strict over the last couple of years. For instance, roughly 200,000 drivers were arrested in the state of California in 2012 as a result of driving while inebriated.
According to California alcohol and drug laws, an individual can be charged for driving an automobile while intoxicated with alcohol or marijuana if his/her blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.08%. A study by the California Highway Patrol states that more than 60,000 people were injured in alcohol-related accidents between 2005 and 2006. This basically translates to about 86 people who are arrested for operating an automobile while intoxicated per day.
As at the end of December 2011, there were a total of 284,870 traffic injuries in the state of California. However, 11% of the cases were attributed to driving while inebriated. The findings also state that roughly 1,200 people died within the same period after being involved in alcohol-related traffic accidents. This translates to roughly 3 people who die in alcohol-related traffic accidents in California on a daily basis.
As a means of preventing injuries and deaths caused by drunken driving, several legislations have been enacted to deal with DWI offenders irrespective of whether or not it is a first DUI or second DWI offense. According to California Highway Patrol, the enactment of these laws have aided in decreasing DWI arrests by at least 45%.
About Guest Post Author:
Christopher J. McCann is a practicing Orange County DUI lawyer and California 420 Law Attorney at the law offices of Christopher J. McCann, who was recently awarded his 6th SuperLawyers Magazine “Rising Star” award. You can follow Chris tweets at @cjm_law_firm
If you need help with OC Medical Marijuana Laws, contact Mr. McCann an experienced Orange County drug possession lawyer for a free consultation.
Most DWI Arrest Statistics Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
http://www.chp.ca.gov/
